Finding fascination in square states

You don’t need religion to be inspired by Thorncrown Chapel, just a few miles west of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Hidden off the highway in the Ozark mountainside woods, the chapel is cloaked in woods with beautiful vistas at all seasons.

The chapel itself is an architectural marvel, standing at 48 feet tall with 425 windows lighting the sanctuary and opening it up to nature. The chapel was listed in fourth place in the American Institute of Architects’ top list of buildings of the 20th century.

While Thorncrown is probably not a destination on its own, it is certainly worth the trip if you’re in Bentonville or Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for any reason. Take a half hour and commune with nature. Go inside (it’s free!) and drop a donation. Then take a moment to pray or sit in silent contemplation.

Maybe it’s not an adventure, but it’s a marvelous example of striking architecture hidden in the Ozarks.